Virk and Russell Lead Raiders Past Lansing Christian 60-37

Lansing Christian’s Division II bound AJ Felton blocked two of Aryan Virk’s shots in the first half but Virk remained confident and ended up with a game high 23 points, including two driving dunks in the second half. He was also six for six from the free throw line. Lansing Christian kept it close in the first quarter and the score was 16-16 at the end of the period. The Pilgrims took their only lead of the game on the first possession of the second quarter and briefly led 18-16. But, Owen Russell hit a quick smooth three pointer, to reclaim the lead 19-18, and Portland never looked back while holding Lansing Christian to only four more second quarter points. The Raiders led 32-22 at the half. Russell hit another three pointer to open the third quarter. He finished the game with 21. The Raiders’ Grant Ruddy then connected on two free throws to make the lead 37-25 Portland. At the end of the third quarter the Raiders led 44-30. Portland outscored the Pilgrims 16-7 in the fourth quarter while emptying their bench. The Raiders are now 1-0 heading into Friday night’s game against defending CAAC White champions the Ionia Bulldogs at Ionia. First year Raider Coach, Jason Goerge, told the Beacon after the game, “The kids fought hard tonight. They showed grit and improved their defense in the second half. We have a lot of work to do to get better”. Junior Grant Ruddy finished with 7 points for the Raiders in the game. Jordan Petersen added 4, Brody Smith had 3, and Sophomore Trent Myers chipped in 2 to complete the Raiders scoring against the Pilgrims.

Photo Caption: Portland’s Aryan Virk waits for an inbound pass as he is guarded by Lansing Christian’s big man 6’9” AJ Felton. Virk led all scorers with 23 points as Portland defeated Lansing Christian 60-37 on the opening night of Boy’s High School Basketball.